Thursday, November 21, 2013

Bouchard, Halep and Kleybanova get WTA awards

The WTA is handing out its annual awards on a gradual basis this year. Newcomer of the Year is Eugenie Bouchard, Most Improved Player of the Year is Simona Halep and Comeback Player of the Year is Alisa Kleybanova. This is the second time that Flavia Pennetta has staged an unbelievable comeback from lengthy rehab, and, for the second time, that comeback wasn't recognized. But that doesn't mean that Kleybanova's comeback shouldn't be recognized with the award; I thought both players were equally qualified to receive it.

Bouchard began the season ranked number 144 in the world, and ended it ranked number 32. The numbers say it all for the Canadian player. Halep, of course, went on a tear (beating Kuznetsova, Radwanska, Vinci, and Jankovic) in Rome, and then won six tournaments on three surfaces. She is now number 11 in the world.